The Sustainable Minimalists Podcast

Clothing swaps (or toy swaps, or book swaps, or home goods swaps) are a low-stakes way to declutter your closet and acquire new-to-you clothes. These events also happen to be the epitome of communal care and can fundamentally change how others view secondhand items.Share resources with your neighbors, reduce waste, and get socializing without exchanging money! On today's show 4-time clothing swap host Jess Schroeder divulges her pro secrets to hosting a successful event.  Here's a preview: [8:00] The price of clothes has dropped dramatically in the last 30 years. Are clothing swaps pointless amidst our cultural reverence for cheap goods?[13:30] What is it about a swap that's so darn fun?[19:00] Your questions answered: Exactly how to host a killer clothing swap[24:00] How to be size inclusive and other pro tips for hosts and guests alike Resources mentioned: Sophie Strauss on Instagram Sign up for our newsletter! This episode is sponsored by Better Help. Head to betterhelp.com/minimal for 10% off your first m

Since the dawn of the chemical era more than 300,000 chemicals have been invented, and many are made from oil and natural gas. While some manufactured chemicals have indeed provided benefit (Disinfectants! Antibiotics!), they have also caused great harm. Manufactured chemicals pollute every corner of the planet. They kill bees, fish, and mammals. They nearly destroyed the ozone and, yes, they give us cancer.Many types of cancer are on the rise in the US, and one explanation for this increase lies in our world of chemicals. On today's show environmental investigative reporter Kristina Marusic identifies the harmful environmental exposures linked to cancer; she also provides a step-by-step roadmap for reducing your cancer risk.Here's a preview: [2:00] Breaking down exactly what's happening with cancer rates around the world and why[12:00] The 3 Ps: 3 categories of pollutants that have clear links to childhood cancer[20:00] Pay special attention to these preventable environmental exposures if you have children[2

Our To-Do lists are never-ending, sure. But it's neither realistic nor fair to assume we can excel in every arena. Enter selective mediocrity, a.k.a. that conscious choice to let some stuff go. We simply can't do it all, and selective mediocrity enables us to give our whole selves to the tasks and goals that really matter. On today's show: A conversation with Dr. Whitney Casares about *actually* lowering our expectations (not just pretending we lowered them!) and preserving our precious time and energy. Here's a preview:[3:30] Feel like you're doing it all? Here are the 9 areas that take up the majority of a woman's time and energy[9:30] We moms aren't broken. The system is broken![21:00] How do you decide when and where to be 'selectively mediocre'?[24:00] Anxiety loves perfection because anxiety loves control. Musings on being OK with letting some things go[28:00] Women have been conditioned to put others' needs ahead of their own. Time to enact self-boundaries! Resources mentioned:Doing It All: Stop Over-F

A recent study finds Americans are spending notably more time at home, and it's not wholly the pandemic's fault. Thank technology: For the last 20 years Americans have slowly traded their social institutions — like churches and clubs — for isolation.Have we forgotten how to be social creatures? On today's show: A conversation with journalist Rosie Spinks about concrete ways to rebuild your proverbial village. Here's a preview:[4:00] Counting the ways in which the pandemic hastened a cultural shift toward isolation already in progress[9:00] You don't need friends; you need 50 people[16:00] Be the person who asks twice![24:00] The quiet genius of enacting place-based rituals[31:00] Reminder! Canceling is not a form of self-care[35:00] Are your social efforts rarely reciprocated? Enact this 3-second mindset shift Resources mentioned: What Do We Do Now That We're Here (via Substack) Kurt Vonnegut's commencement speech Episode #498: Removing The Mask   This show is listener-supported. Thank you for supporting! J

Life is noisier, messier, and more complicated than ever. In our quest to keep up, we can try to do it all—with mixed results.Instead of life passively happening TO us, we each have the power to create the life we want to live. On today's show: A conversation with author Elisabeth Sharp McKetta about figuring out what matters most and hitting delete on what doesn’t. Here's a preview:[7:00] Before we edit, we must first examine: 3 questions to regularly ask when seeking a life of intention[9:30] The paradox of choice, plus: Why many of us rarely go after our first choice[16:00] Words of encouragement for listeners who examine their life and don't like what they see[21:00] Using your unique "core competencies" as organizing principles when editing your life[27:00] Editing for generosity: How to edit your narrative to benefit the collective[33:00] Elisabeth and Stephanie's thoughts on enjoying life despite the world's messiness Resources mentioned: Edit Your Life: A Handbook For Living With Intention In A Messy

The US hails consumption as a patriotic duty. But refraining from buying isn't a punishment, and practicing a bit of self-control both resets our hedonistic baseline and re-centers our behaviors around moderation. It's paradoxical but true: Imposing temporary limits ultimately sets you free. On today's show author John Oakes discusses the numerous benefits associated with fasting from food, from spending, and everything in between. Here's a preview:[9:00] What do ancient philosophers have to say about self-control, holding back, and managing desires?[13:00] Musings on why it's important to put limits on ourselves even though our economy thrives when we consume without limits[25:00] We can do hard things! The personal benefits associated with embarking on a challenge and accomplishing it[29:00] Is overconsumption contributing to our nationwide 'modern malaise'? Resources mentioned: The Fast: The History, Science, Philosophy, and Promise of Doing Without Episode #049: The Why, How, and When of a No-Spend Challe

Big tech trains kids to become consumers from … well, birth.Child-targeted marketing is cringe-worthy at best and unethical at worst. It also undermines children’s healthy development because it robs them of opportunities to play, imagine, and learn freely without manipulation.Today I speak with Dr. Susan Linn about the ways in which technology exploits children (and what we can do about it at home).(The podcast is approaching its 500th episode and in celebration I'm re-airing my Top 5 favorite episodes of all time. Here's #5.)Here’s a preview:[3:30] Brand loyalty? How media corporations exploit our children for profit[6:30] Societal implications associated with perpetually up-selling to kids[11:30] The ways in which big tech manipulates children into bonding with their devices[17:00] A good, hard look: Addressing our collective preoccupation with technology[28:00] Thoughts on breaking an older child’s screen addictionResources mentioned: Episode #337: Minimalist Screen Time and Slow TV  Who’s Raising the Kid

The Japanese argue that we each have three faces. The first is your idealized, near-perfect version; it's also the mask you present to the world. You reveal your second face selectively to very close friends and family, and you keep your third face — your true self — hidden from everyone (including, perhaps, yourself).Our first mask conveys self-assuredness. Of being happy, put together, and in charge. But beneath our masks, we are messy creatures. We may even be living in deep emotional pain. On today's show: A conversation with author Jarod K. Anderson about removing our masks, being vulnerable, and boldly accepting our authentic, messy selves. * A note from Stephanie: The future of this show is uncertain, and it needs hundreds (hundreds!) more supporters to stay afloat. If you find yourself thinking about the world differently after listening, please consider supporting the show with $5 per month or $45 per year. Thank you for doing your part  to keep Sustainable Minimalists in existence! https://sustainab

Want to be "up to date" with your wardrobe choices? Fashion forwardness understands that the textile industry is incredibly polluting; having your finger on the fashion pulse, then, is about consciously choosing not to participate in trends.And yet we somehow must dress ourselves. While fast fashion is quite literally made to fall apart, wearing what we wore decades ago isn't a good look. So what on earth is a sustainable minimalist to do?On today's show: How to mindfully refresh your wardrobe with tips straight from experts.  * A note from Stephanie: The future of this show is uncertain, and it needs hundreds (hundreds!) more supporters to stay afloat. If you find yourself thinking about the world differently after listening, please consider supporting the show with $5 per month or $45 per year. Thank you for doing your part  to keep Sustainable Minimalists in existence! https://sustainableminimalists.substack.com Here's a preview of the expert-backed techniques we are discussing today:[8:30] All Killer, No

More free time and less stress. Extra money in the bank. While minimalists often report such benefits of the lifestyle over and over, for many of us, it goes deeper. Indeed, a minimalist lifestyle may fundamentally change the way we interact with the world.As this podcast approaches its 500th episode I find myself curious about the ways in which adopting a minimalist or minimal-ish outlook has altered the ways in which we as community act and think.On today's show: A conversation with minimalist Elaina Jindra about just some of the ways her life is different these days. Here's a preview of the minimalism-inspired habit changes we are discussing today:[8:00] Watching less television and turning away from mass media[14:00] Buying in bulk, no more[19:00] Storing it at the store? Sure. Plus: Storing it at Goodwill![22:00] Eating healthier and drinking less alcohol[25:00] Stepping into the role of 'creator' while losing the identity of 'consumer' Resources mentioned: Sign up for the Sustainable Minimalists newslet

Just because a product is marketed to babies or kids doesn't mean it's safe, and new research published just last week has alarming things to say about the presence of phthalates in personal care products for children. While minimalists know that excess stuff harms our emotional well-being and mental loads, *sustainable* minimalists understand that products can harm our physical health. On today's show: Applying the tenets of sustainable minimalism to the hair and skin products our children use each day. Here's a preview:[7:00] If phthalates make plastics flexible and bendy, what on earth are they doing in personal care products?[10:00] Don't see the term 'phthalate' on a product's ingredients list? That doesn't mean it's phthalate-free![13:00] Are phthalates the reason why our daughters are getting their periods younger and younger?[19:00] No 10-step skincare regimen to see here: Here's a 5-step cleanup regimen for your household[25:00] Musings on the tween and teen skincare beauty craze Resources mentioned:

Meal planning and prepping, laundry, and taking out the trash: These non-negotiable household tasks are never truly "done". And because it's impossible to get ahead of these mundane chores, they are likely the reason you feel like you’re always busy but never accomplish anything.The bad news? Non-negotiables are a part of adulting. The good news? Streamlining such chores with a reduces the time and mental load associated with getting them done. On today's show: How to streamline meal planning *for the rest of your life* in under an hour. Here's a preview: [6:30] Breaking down exactly how much extra you're paying for meal kits[12:00] How to create a 28-day meal plan so you never have to meal plan again[16:00] Take it a step further with one-and-done and done grocery lists  Resource mentioned: Episode #270: Desperation Dinners This show is listener-supported. Thank you for supporting! Join our (free!) Facebook community here. Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube @sustai

American culture is heavily influenced by a “rise and grind” reverence for hustling, and many of us have adopted the belief that sleep is a waste of time. When we dismiss the importance of sleep, we have more time to work harder and longer. And when we have more money in our pockets, what we are really doing is keeping our capitalist engines turning.Contrary to what you've been told, sleep is not time wasted. On today's show: The Number One way to improve your health, wellness, and quality of life without spending any money at all (ahem ... prioritizing sleep). Here's a preview:[3:00] Rise and grind culture promotes sleep deprivation![9:00] What happens when we sleep? Hop on a metaphorical submarine and explore the Sleep Sea [15:00] A laundry list of bad sleep's deleterious health and wellness effects[21:00] In your 40s or 50s? You especially need to prioritize sleep, and here's why[29:00] 6 research-backed ways to prioritize sleep every darn night Resources mentioned: Episode #472: Breath Awareness Episode #

We humans are evolutionarily primed to live in concert with the natural world, but these days Americans spend over 92% of time either indoors or inside a vehicle. The result? Stress, inflammation and — for some of us — a pervasive sense of malaise. American culture is designed to keep us indoors because capitalist engines make money when we are distracted, and yet cutting-edge science supports the reality that life on this planet is radically interconnected. On today's show author Lyanda Lynn Haupt introduces the concept of rooted living to benefit of both humans and nature. Here's a preview:[11:00] Nature provides connection, and yet 21st century life vilifies the outdoors[16:00] Exactly why our capitalist engines benefit when we live indoors lives [22:00] Musings on our collected extractive mindset, plus: how roots are the antidote[28:00] Lyanda's Number One tip for re-rooting yourself and your children (It's a good one!) Resources mentioned: Rooted: Life At The Crossroads Of Science, Nature, and Spirit Lya

A product needs to fit into someone’s life seamlessly in order for it to be bought, and it’s the job of the advertiser to show exactly how the item in question will fit into a life. On today's show: 5 crucial insights advertisers know about us (that we perhaps don't know about ourselves). Here's a preview:[1:00] Examining our clutter problem through metaphor (bathtub, baby!)[9:00] Selling isn't about emotion; it's about seduction[13:00] We humans are animals, and animals are evolutionarily primed to heed warnings[15:00] Curiosity versus urgency: Both emotional states convert![21:00] How companies slowly but surely increase market share, plus: here's what happens when a product differentiates itself on eco-friendliness[26:00] Insider advertising works! Resources mentioned:The Hidden Clutter Creator Right Under Your Nose (via Your House Machine on Substack)  This show is listener-supported. Thank you for supporting! Join our (free!) Facebook community here. Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Faceb

One football field's-worth of forest is lost every single second of every single day. Loss of forests means loss of species and loss of stored carbon; it also means an increased risk of pandemics.On today's show: Explaining the ways in which deforestation is linked to the pandemic prevalence, with tangible action steps for conscious consumers.Here's a preview:[5:00] It's not *just* about timber; it's about livestock, soy, and palm oil too[12:30] Exactly what happens when we raze forests and the generalists (ahem ... the rats, the mosquitos) march in[26:00] Breaking down the differences between the 3 Forest Stewardship Council certifications[29:00] Revisiting the palm oil problem [32:00] The industrialized food system is broken, and it pays to shorten your personal food chain Resources mentioned: Episode #447: No Topsoils, No Food Episode #187: Why Is Palm Oil Bad?   This show is listener-supported. Thank you for supporting! Join our (free!) Facebook community here. Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists ar

Parenthood is awash with immense pressure to do right by our kids. We are told that children need certain (expensive) experiences to 'get ahead', and many of us observe our parenting peers investing in countless extracurriculars. But children need downtime, and recent research suggests that children should experience twice as much unstructured time as structured enrichment.On today's show podcaster Kathryn Garland and I discuss how to find the structured, extracurricular sweet spot for your family.  Here's a preview:[4:30] Scheduling rule #1: Family First (not Kid First!)[15:00] When dabblers don't fit into a world of specializers[22:00] Musings on extracurriculars, the 'rat race' and getting ahead[26:00] Start with the end in mind (and other tips for finding the extracurriculars sweet spot)[31:00] Words of encouragement for leaning into the quiet and into the slow Resources mentioned: Don't Sign Your Child Up For That (Extra)Curricular Episode #478: Charting A Rich Life Homespun: Create The Life You Crave Po

‘Tis the season for back-to-school door busters, price slashes, and closeouts. On today’s re-air: How to reduce clutter, save money, and help the planet by shopping for back-to-school with greater intention. Here's a preview:[6:00] Let’s pull back the curtain on back-to-school marketing, shall we?[11:00] Here’s what it actually means (and what it actually looks like!) to shop your own home[18:30] Revisiting the kids’ capsule conversation[26:00] Thoughts on teacher wishlists (from a former teacher) Resources mentioned: Episode #391: Predictors Of Back To School Success Episode #006: The Ultimate Kids' Capsule Blueprint   This show is listener-supported. Thank you for supporting! Join our (free!) Facebook community here. Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube @sustainableminimalists Say hello! MamaMinimalistBoston@gmail.com.

Welcome to Back To School Week 2024!In many homes, back to school season means back to packing lunchboxes. It's a stress-inducing chore, sure, as many parents find it difficult to think up new, creative lunch ideas that are actually healthy (and will actually get eaten!).On today's show registered dietician nutritionist Megan McNamee offers up her tried and true lunchbox formula; she also suggests simple lunch ideas that will make prepping lunches a breeze.Stay tuned for Thursday's Back To School episode about acquiring school supplies, clothes, and gear like a sustainable minimalist.  Here's a preview:[4:00] Is there anything "wrong" with school lunches?[8:00] Pack when your kitchen is open! (And other practical ways to make lunchbox packing easier)[13:00] Add balance and variety by following Megan's Lunch Formula[20:00] Lunchbox ideas you've never heard of before[26:00] Must lunchboxes have a dessert?[33:00] How to best use after school snack time as a sneaky way to supplement your child's diet Resources me

Scientists have found unsettling details about the potential health risks of common household cleaning products. And yet Big Cleaning capitalizes on fear of germs, bacteria, and disease to sell us home cleansers with traditional chemical compounds on the regular.It behooves us to ask ourselves whether the ways things have always been done align with our own values. On today's show Zac Kieffer argues it's high-time we redefine what it means to clean. Here's a preview:[3:00] Three reasons why it's important to perpetually question the way we clean and disinfect[8:00] Are you disinfecting correctly? (Answer: Probably not.)[16:00] Ammonia! 2-Butoxyethanol! BACs! Here's what cleaning companies don't want you to know about the (very powerful) chemical compounds in traditional cleansers[21:00] Big Cleaning and fear-based marketing[28:00] Does microfiber = microplastics? Resources mentioned: Episode #417: How To Buy Soap  E-Cloth (Minimalists15 for 15% off site-wide) Cleaning Products Emit Hundreds of Hazardous Che